The LSAT takes several hours from start to finish, but it can take weeks or months to prepare. Since it isn’t like any other test, you can’t go about studying the same way. We've compiled some tips that will make your LSAT experience much easier and a little less stressful.
1. Never Leave Bubbles Empty
The LSAT is different from other tests because wrong answers aren’t counted against you. Because of this, it’s essential to answer every single question even if you aren’t sure of the answer. The worst thing you can do is leave a question blank because there’s no way it’ll count toward your raw score.
2. Learn About Your Test Center
If possible, take a trip to your testing location so you know what you can expect. Not only will this allow you to practice under similar conditions, but it will make sure you won’t encounter any surprises when you sit for the exam.
3. Practice Under Similar Conditions
While practicing, try to do so under the same circumstances. Take the full test at once rather than one section at a time. Additionally, use the same silent watch you’d use on test day, and consider practicing at a desk in a crowded room.
4. Use the Process of Elimination
The process of elimination has always helped test takers. That's why a good test-taking strategy is to focus on why answers are wrong rather than why they’re right. Skim through your choices and cross out the ones that are clearly incorrect.
5. Time Yourself
Timed practice tests give you an advantage over those who take their time. You don’t want to run out of time before you can complete every answer, so anytime you take a practice test, set a timer. If the timer goes off before you answered all the questions, you should try to determine where you can spend less of your focus.
6. Stay Healthy
A healthy body means a healthy mind. If you are dehydrated or tired, you may have a hard time making decisions on test day. Since the LSAT is such a logical test, drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods to ensure the best possible outcome.
7. Arrive Early
You never know how many people signed up for the same date, but keep in mind that there are only a limited number of tests per year. The lines may be long, so it’s best to arrive half an hour before your testing time.
8. Keep Calm
The LSAT is already hard enough, but stressing out during the test can make it even more challenging. Remain calm and learn techniques to collect your thoughts coherently if you feel as though you’re not doing well.
9. Understand the Logic of the LSAT
After taking a practice test, you may realize that the LSAT isn’t like traditional tests. Rather than studying the questions word for word, attempt to understand the logic behind the test. What is the test trying to cover or discover from your answers? This is what is more likely to be repeated across tests, not individual questions.
10. Learn the Common Logical Principles
The LSAT is comprised of 26 known principles including “Must Be True,” “Assumption,” and “Cannot Be True.” Before you start studying the actual test, learn these principles so you can determine the correct answer.
